Southwest Florida offers numerous exceptional new construction communities between Wellen Park and Lakewood Ranch, with over 30 options featuring resort-style amenities, varied home types, and convenient locations. This comprehensive guide highlights eight premier communities across Wellen Park, North Venice/Nokomis, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch, each offering distinctive advantages for different lifestyle preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction Communities in Southwest Florida

What are the best new construction communities in Wellen Park?

The top new construction communities in Wellen Park include Wellen Park Golf & Country Club, offering everything from condos to luxury homes on a premier golf course, and Brightmore, an exceptional 55+ community with resort amenities and an active adult lifestyle. Both provide gated security and extensive recreational facilities.

Which new construction communities are recommended in North Venice?

Talon Preserve and Vistera are highly recommended in the North Venice/Nokomis area. Talon Preserve offers direct access to the Legacy Trail and proximity to Nokomis Beach, while Vistera features diverse home designs from three different builders (Neal, M/I, and David Weekley) for a less cookie-cutter neighborhood feel.

What are the best family-friendly new construction communities in Sarasota?

Skye Ranch and Grand Park are excellent options for families in Sarasota. Skye Ranch features The Hub amenity center with sports fields and kid-friendly amenities, plus convenient access to Siesta Key. Grand Park offers a mix of home types from townhomes to luxury single-family homes in a gated community with extensive walking trails.

What luxury new construction options are available in Lakewood Ranch?

In Lakewood Ranch, Shoreview in the Waterside area offers upscale homes from Homes by Towne and Lee Wetherington in a gated community, while Azario provides championship golf, restaurant options, a day spa, and other resort amenities in Manatee County, with both golf and non-golf homesite options available.

Are there 55+ communities among the new construction options?

Yes, Brightmore by Mattamy Homes in Wellen Park stands out as a premier 55+ community in Southwest Florida, featuring nine pickleball courts (including a stadium court), resort and lap pools, a restaurant/bar, and a full-time activities director to facilitate an active adult lifestyle.

What price ranges can I expect for new construction homes in these communities?

New construction homes in these communities vary widely in price. Entry-level options like condos in golf communities or townhomes may start in the high $300,000s, while luxury single-family homes can exceed $1 million. Most communities offer diverse home types to accommodate various budgets.

Do all these communities have HOA fees, and what do they include?

Yes, all these communities have HOA fees ranging from approximately $300 to over $1,000 monthly depending on amenities and services. Golf community fees tend to be higher, especially for deed-restricted golf lots. HOAs typically cover community maintenance, amenities access, and in some cases, home exterior maintenance and lawn care.

Wellen Park: Premier Golf and Active Adult Living

Wellen Park Golf & Country Club: Resort Living for Golfers

Wellen Park Golf & Country Club represents one of the finest new construction opportunities in Southwest Florida's southern region. Built by Lennar, this golf community mirrors the luxury and amenities found in Sarasota National and Lakewood National but in the rapidly developing Wellen Park area.

Diverse Housing Options for Every Budget

One of the most attractive aspects of Wellen Park Golf & Country Club is its range of housing options. The community offers:

• Condominiums for maximum affordability
• Villa homes for low-maintenance living
• Single-family homes, including luxury options backing to the golf course

This diversity allows buyers to enter at various price points while still enjoying the premium golf course community lifestyle.

Championship Golf in Pristine Condition

For golf enthusiasts, the course itself is a major draw. The golf course features spectacular conditions and a wonderful layout that appeals to serious golfers. As a resident, you'll have preferred access to this exceptional course that attracts players from throughout the region.

Comprehensive Resort Amenities

The community will feature approximately 1,400 homes when completed, all within a secure gated entrance. The amenities package rivals what you'd expect at a high-end resort:

• Resort-style swimming pool
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• On-site restaurant
• Pickleball courts
• Tennis courts

HOA Considerations

Monthly HOA fees vary based on the type of residence:

• Condo fees may exceed $1,000 monthly (including building maintenance and insurance)
• Single-family homes typically range around $500 monthly

While these fees might seem substantial, they provide access to an exceptional lifestyle that would cost significantly more as a non-resident at comparable resort facilities.

Brightmore: Premier 55+ Living in Wellen Park

For those seeking an active adult lifestyle in a 55+ community, Brightmore by Mattamy Homes stands out as the only dedicated 55+ option in the entire Wellen Park development.

Exclusive Active Adult Community

Brightmore will contain approximately 600 homes when completed, all within a gated community designed specifically for residents aged 55 and above. The community offers:

• Villa homes for low-maintenance living
• Single-family homes with various floorplans and options
• More affordable HOA fees (typically in the $300-400 range)

World-Class Pickleball Facilities

A distinguishing feature of Brightmore is its exceptional pickleball facilities:

• Nine dedicated pickleball courts
• Stadium court for tournaments and league play
• Organized pickleball activities and events

This makes Brightmore a paradise for pickleball enthusiasts, currently one of the fastest-growing sports among active adults.

Comprehensive Resort Amenities

Beyond pickleball, Brightmore offers a complete resort lifestyle:

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Dedicated lap pool for fitness swimming
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Spectacular clubhouse with restaurant, bar, and café
• Full-time activities director
• Numerous social clubs and organized events

Prime Location Benefits

Brightmore enjoys an excellent location within the Wellen Park master plan:

• Proximity to downtown Wellen Park for shopping and dining
• Future road connections to Manasota Key beaches
• Adjacent to CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves' spring training facility
• Convenient access to regional amenities

North Venice/Nokomis: Beach Proximity and Unique Character

Talon Preserve: Amenity-Rich Living with Legacy Trail Access

Talon Preserve, built by D.R. Horton, represents an exceptional opportunity in the North Venice/Nokomis area with a combination of premium amenities and unique location advantages.

Community Layout and Housing Options

Talon Preserve will consist of over 900 homes when completed, featuring:

• Single-family homes with various floorplans
• Villa homes for low-maintenance living
• Gated security throughout the community

Extensive Resort-Style Amenities

The amenities package at Talon Preserve is comprehensive:

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Lap pool for fitness swimming
• Splash pad for children
• Playground facilities
• Pickleball courts
• Tennis courts
• Game room
• Poolside restaurant/bar currently under construction

Direct Legacy Trail Access: A Unique Advantage

One of Talon Preserve's most distinctive features is its direct connection to the Legacy Trail—a paved trail system that runs from downtown Sarasota to downtown Venice along a former railroad corridor. This provides residents with:

• Miles of paved trails for walking, running, and biking
• Car-free transportation options
• Connection to downtown Venice and the historic train station
• Extended trails to Shamrock Park and Venice Beach
• Future expansion connecting all the way to downtown Sarasota

Prime Location for Beach Access

The North Venice/Nokomis location provides significant lifestyle advantages compared to communities further inland:

• Just 3-4 miles to Nokomis Beach
• Minutes from waterfront dining options like Pop's Sunset Grill
• Easy access to sunset viewing spots
• More of a true "beach lifestyle" feel while still enjoying new construction

Reasonable HOA Costs

HOA fees at Talon Preserve typically run in the $300 range, providing significant value considering the extensive amenities and maintenance included.

Vistera: Architectural Diversity with Three Premier Builders

Vistera offers a refreshingly different approach to new construction communities in the North Venice area, featuring homes from three different builders for greater architectural variety.

Multi-Builder Advantage

Unlike many communities built entirely by one developer, Vistera features homes from:

• Neal Communities
• M/I Homes
• David Weekley Homes

This multi-builder approach creates several advantages:

• Greater architectural diversity throughout the community
• Less of a "cookie-cutter" appearance than single-builder neighborhoods
• More floorplan options to choose from during the building process
• Competitive pricing among builders within the same community

Housing Options for Different Needs

Vistera offers various housing types:

• Single-family homes from all three builders
• Villa homes from Neal Communities
• Range of sizes and price points

Complete Amenity Package

While Vistera doesn't feature a restaurant or bar like some larger communities, it still provides comprehensive amenities:

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Lap pool
• Clubhouse
• Social activities and clubs
• Community events

Strategic Location Benefits

Vistera's location off Laurel Road provides several advantages:

• Quick access to Nokomis and Venice beaches
• Proximity to I-75 for easy commuting to Sarasota
• Developing area with increasing amenities
• Balance of convenience and tranquility

Sarasota: Urban Proximity with Natural Settings

Skye Ranch: Family-Friendly Living with Exceptional Amenities

Skye Ranch represents one of Sarasota's premier new construction communities, especially appealing to families seeking an amenity-rich lifestyle with excellent school options.

Two Distinct Sections with Different Price Points

Skye Ranch features two primary sections:

• Esplanade: The luxury division of Taylor Morrison with premium homes and additional amenities
• Cassia: More affordable home options while still enjoying community amenities

This tiered approach allows buyers to enter at different price points while still benefiting from the master-planned community advantages.

"The Hub": A Premier Amenity Center

The recently opened Hub amenity center at Skye Ranch has quickly become one of the area's most impressive community facilities, featuring:

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Lap pool for fitness swimming
• Splash pad for children
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts
• Bocce ball courts
• Baseball fields
• Soccer fields
• Community gathering spaces

This comprehensive approach to amenities makes Skye Ranch particularly appealing for active families with children.

Luxury Builder Options

In addition to Taylor Morrison's offerings, Skye Ranch features homes from premium luxury builders:

• Arthur Rutenberg Homes
• John Cannon Homes

These options provide opportunities for truly custom luxury homes within the community.

Strategic East Sarasota Location

Skye Ranch's location off Clark Road in east Sarasota provides several advantages:

• Direct route to Siesta Key via South Bridge
• Convenient access to downtown Sarasota
• Proximity to I-75 for regional travel
• New school being built directly across from the community
• New Publix grocery store being developed at the community entrance

Natural Setting with Extensive Trails

Skye Ranch features approximately 20 miles of walking trails throughout the community, connecting:

• Preserved natural areas
• Wildlife habitats
• Parks and green spaces
• Residential neighborhoods

This creates an ideal balance of amenities and natural space for outdoor enthusiasts.

Grand Park: Gated Living with Multiple Housing Options

Grand Park by Neal Communities represents another excellent option in Sarasota, with a focus on security and diverse housing options in a convenient location.

Diverse Housing Opportunities

Grand Park offers multiple housing types to accommodate various needs and budgets:

• Townhomes for maximum affordability
• Villa homes for low-maintenance living
• Single-family homes ranging from moderate to luxury price points

This diversity allows buyers to enter at various price points while still enjoying the premium gated community experience.

Comprehensive Amenity Package

While slightly more compact than some larger communities, Grand Park still offers a complete amenity package:

• Gated security throughout
• Resort-style swimming pool
• Lap pool for fitness swimming
• Walking trails throughout the community
• Dog park for pet owners
• Fitness center
• Community gathering spaces

Convenient West-of-Sky-Ranch Location

Grand Park's location offers several advantages:

• Slightly closer to downtown Sarasota than Skye Ranch
• Still provides easy access to Clark Road for Siesta Key
• Proximity to I-75 for regional travel
• Tucked away location providing a sense of seclusion

Quality Neal Communities Construction

As a Neal Communities development, Grand Park benefits from this established builder's reputation for:

• Quality construction standards
• Energy-efficient building practices
• Thoughtful community planning
• Responsive warranty service

Lakewood Ranch: Prestigious Master-Planned Living

Shoreview: Waterside Living in Sarasota County

Shoreview represents an exceptional opportunity in the prestigious Waterside area of Lakewood Ranch, situated in Sarasota County with unique advantages.

Multi-Builder Approach for Greater Variety

Shoreview features homes from two exceptional builders:

• Homes by Towne
• Lee Wetherington

This multi-builder approach provides greater architectural diversity while maintaining the community's cohesive aesthetic.

Underrated Value Opportunity

Currently in early development stages, Shoreview offers opportunities to secure new construction in the desirable Waterside area at more favorable price points than established communities like Wild Blue next door.

Future Growth Potential

When completed, Shoreview will feature approximately 680 single-family homes in a gated community setting, creating a substantial yet manageable neighborhood size.

Complete Amenity Package

Despite more affordable pricing than some neighboring communities, Shoreview will offer comprehensive amenities:

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Fitness center
• Full-time lifestyle director
• Pickleball courts
• Tennis courts
• Community maintenance included in HOA

Affordable HOA Structure

HOA fees at Shoreview typically run in the $400 range, providing significant value considering the Waterside location and extensive amenities.

Strategic Waterside Location

Shoreview's location in the Waterside area of Lakewood Ranch provides several advantages:

• Sarasota County location (different tax structure than Manatee County)
• Proximity to the developing Waterside downtown area
• Easy access to Fruitville Road for quick trips to downtown Sarasota (approximately 15 minutes)
• Located off Lorraine Road for convenient north-south travel
• Balance of Lakewood Ranch prestige with Sarasota accessibility

Azario: Golf Course Living in Manatee County

Azario represents one of Lakewood Ranch's premier golf course communities, specifically within the Esplanade section of Azario built by Taylor Morrison.

Comprehensive Housing Options

Azario offers various housing types to accommodate different needs:

• Villa homes for low-maintenance living
• Single-family homes in various sizes and price points
• Town homes in a separate section of the community

This diversity allows buyers to enter at different price points while still enjoying the premium golf course community lifestyle.

First-Class Amenity Package

Azario features truly resort-caliber amenities:

• 18-hole championship golf course (currently public but likely to become private)
• Resort-style swimming pool
• Poolside tiki bar/restaurant
• On-site day spa
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts
• Full-time activities director
• Comprehensive fitness facilities

Golf and Non-Golf Options

One of Azario's most flexible features is its offering of both:

• Deed-restricted golf lots (higher HOA fees but guaranteed golf access)
• Non-golf lots (approximately half the HOA cost while still enjoying all other amenities)

This allows residents to choose whether golf is a priority without sacrificing community amenities.

Taylor Morrison Quality

As a Taylor Morrison Esplanade community, Azario benefits from:

• Premium construction standards
• Thoughtful community planning
• Established amenity management
• Proven track record with similar communities

Manatee County Location Benefits

While in Manatee County rather than Sarasota County, this location provides:

• Different tax structure (may be advantageous for some buyers)
• Full integration into the Lakewood Ranch master plan
• Access to all Lakewood Ranch amenities and events
• Established area with complete shopping, dining, and medical services

Comparing Communities: Finding Your Perfect Match

Lifestyle Priorities: How to Choose

When evaluating these exceptional communities, consider which lifestyle elements matter most to you:

Golf Lifestyle

If golf is a priority, focus on:

• Wellen Park Golf & Country Club
• Azario at Lakewood Ranch

Both offer exceptional golf experiences with varying price points and amenity packages.

55+ Active Adult Living

For dedicated 55+ communities, consider:

• Brightmore in Wellen Park

This community offers the most comprehensive active adult experience with age-restricted amenities and activities.

Beach Proximity

If beach access is important, prioritize:

• Talon Preserve
• Vistera

Both North Venice/Nokomis communities offer significantly closer beach access than Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch options.

Family-Focused Amenities

For families with children, consider:

• Skye Ranch
• Grand Park

Both offer child-friendly amenities and proximity to schools and family activities.

Urban Proximity

If access to downtown areas matters, consider:

• Shoreview (close to both Waterside and downtown Sarasota)
• Grand Park (closer to downtown Sarasota)
• Talon Preserve (access to downtown Venice)

Natural Settings

For nature enthusiasts, prioritize:

• Skye Ranch (20 miles of trails)
• Talon Preserve (Legacy Trail access)
• Grand Park (walking trails and preserves)

Budget Considerations

These communities offer various entry points:

• Most Affordable Entry Points: Townhomes in Grand Park, condos in Wellen Park Golf & Country Club
• Mid-Range Options: Villas in most communities, single-family homes in non-golf sections
• Luxury Options: Golf-frontage homes in Wellen Park and Azario, custom homes in Skye Ranch

HOA Fee Variations

HOA fees vary significantly based on:

• Golf inclusion (highest fees)
• Condo vs. single-family (condos typically higher)
• Amenity package extensiveness
• Maintenance inclusion (some include lawn care, others don't)

Be sure to evaluate the total monthly cost including HOA when comparing communities.

Ready to Explore These Southwest Florida Communities?

If you're considering relocating to any of these exceptional communities or anywhere else on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast, the Zachos Realty & Design Group is here to help. With over 40 years of local expertise and a unique combination of real estate knowledge and award-winning design vision, we can help you find the perfect property that matches your lifestyle needs.

Contact us today:

• Phone: 941-500-5457
• Email: [email protected]
• Sarasota Office: 205 N Orange Ave Suite 202, Sarasota, Florida 34236
• Venice Office: 217 Nassau St S, Venice, FL 34285

Visit our YouTube channel "Relocation Experts | Florida's Gulf Coast" for more insider guides to Florida's Gulf Coast communities.